New Ulm weekly review., 1887-10-19
Knights and the Church.

AllSSllGS nllu sGu6 OuuIGAs
PLASTER Workman PowderIy Ex-
spiaIns the Attitude of the Catholic
fhurch Toward the Knights.
I The letter prepared by General Master
"a oTkman Powderly upon the attitude of
saf1e Catholic Church towards the Knights
u Labor was presented to the grand as
sssmbly at Minneapolis. The main points
.,aeefer to an interview with Cardinal Glib
Ions, by Mr.. Powderly, Brothers John w.
sglfayes and Tom O'Rielly, and their expla.
cation OF the principles OF the Knights of
: a Dor.
e During the interview, which of long dura-
8 on, Cardinal Gibbons said in substances:
I; Ii,;After what we have just learned, the
resent condition of the order is to us an
snmistakable Indication that the control
Nj your organization still rests with the
Conservative element, and is a guarantee
rat there will be no rash and dangerous
repartures from those features of its policy
Sshich command the forbearance and re-
S1ect, ii not the approval OF the entire
Pountry. We do not infer that the objects
n the Knights OF Labor are praiseworthy
Ed in no ways opposed to the views OF
Te Catholic church. The Catholic pre-
ttrrtes will declare in favor OF labor The
Retholic church in America will take side
Z, the weaker against the stronger. We
rtadliy believe that to rescue the toiler
Spm the grasp OF the selfish is work for
q g noblest and best OF our race, and we
ucognize that it is the accomplishment of
Nat the grand object that the order OF
Hnights OF Labor is bending it's every
gergy. The church is justly watchful
Dainst all.
e SECRET ORGANIZATIONS,
MEhere is no need OF secrecy where the
Eds and the methods OF organization are
kstifable, and secrecy raises a presump-
bn that there is something which will not
Ear the light OF day. The Catholic church
Amost visible to all creation. and it in
Nnctively guards against secrecy and con.
lealment. We condemn the work of an.
Jchists. Like Samson OF old, they would
Bin pull down the edifice OF the constitu.
6on which shelters them, even though they
FOuld perish in the ruins. The man that
Yould endeavor to undermine the laws
HID institutions OF this great and glorious
Guntry deserves the fate OF those who laid
Eofane hands on the ark OF heliving God.
ecialism takes defiant position beyond
ee pale OF the church, and announces such
8 extreme policy that one does not need
y hesitate a moment to reach q conclu-
Fon as to its merits and influence. It
.ooldly abolishes all religious restraint as
Etuous, denounces all extant forms OF
brship, and goes back to what it calls
nature" and what the world calls
Eheism. We express full faith in the
aaintenance OF friendliness between
ae church and the order SO long as you
tep free from affiliations with dangerous
Esociations and devote yourselves to the
3lfnment of your legitimate mission"
us enlinence intlmated to your commit
se his intended journey to Rome. prom
led to explain the purposes OF the organ
sation at the Vatican, and requested per-
Aission to pledge the order to the mainte-
hnce OF a lawful and orderly behavior.
4ow this prince OF the church fulfilled his
ovenant made with US. and how he cham
foned our cause in the eternal city, we
how full well; and the expression OF pom.
Ifcial good will for the order of the
.nights OF Labor, which came to us last
:arch, was due solely to the earnest and
satelligent advocacy OF our cause by Cardi-
al Gibbons. His eminence knew we'll how
p express and communicate the impulses
= his own inspired soul, and our grateful
$snd profound thanks are due to him for
33sne extra ordinary iavors he has bestowed
8pcn our order in overfowing measure. In
lis report to the propaganda his enhance
sid: In submitting to the holy see
Ihe conclusions which, after several m on this
\ observation and deep reflection seem to
ne to sum up the question OF the associa-
ion OF the Knights OF Labor am strong
y convinced OF the vast Importance OF this
question, which forms but one ring in the
treat chain OF the social problems OF our
pay and especially OF our country. The
33rder is not hostile to religion. We have
Got found in the cons titution, bylaws and
,o1 l,ao rs, ;o1,
aoly see SO clearly indicates as condemna-
3ory, and the formula OF the organization
Contains neither oath or obligation which
@recludes those who do not belong to it
rom becoming acquainted with their al
airs. This has been especially explained
10 US by the principal officers. No promise
ii blind obedience is required. Not only
heir objects and their rules are not hostile
10 religion or the church, but the very con-
3rarT. 1t seems to me plain that the holy
3ee cannot entertain the proposal to con-
!emn the Knights OF Labor.
First-Because such a condemnation
toes not appear to be justified, either by
ne letter or by the spirit of it's constitu-
ion, OF it's laws, or by the declaration of
"a heads.
Second-That such condemnation does
OF appear necessary in view OF the tran.
cent form OF the organization and of the
ocial condition OF the United States.
= Third-That it should not be prudent,
N account OF the reality OF the wrongs OF
he workingmen, and the fact that the ex-
stence OF such is admitted by the Ameri-
2an public.
s Fourth-That it would be dangerous to
Ehe reputation OF the church in our demo-
cratic country.
4 Fifth-That it would be powerless to COM
pei the obedience OF our Catholic W orkmen
-gho would regard it as false and iniquit-
3us.
: Sixth-That it would be destructive in
,tead of beneficial in its effects, forcing the
sons OF the church to rebel against their
mother and to range themselves with
condemned socialists which they have
hitherto avoid d.
Seventh-That it would turn into doubt
and hostility the marked devotion of our
-beople toward the Holy See.
Eighth-That it would be regarded as a
:ruel blow to the authority OF the bishops
II the United States, who, it is we'll known,
protest against such condemnation
Thus it will be seen that his eminence
made a forcible public plea for the work
ing classes. The bearing OF the Vatican,
Toward the order has been friendly and